Dangers Of Flu 'Exaggerated’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 28

Dangers Of Flu 'Exaggerated ’

(New Zealand Press Association) '» DUNEDIN, February 24. The Department of Education had no plans for the mass vaccination of school tea- ! citers against Hong Kong influenza the department’s regional superintendent (Mr S. S. i Hamilton) said today.

Mr Hamilton said he felt the dangers of the Hong Kong flu had been considerably exaggerated. The chairman of the Otago Education Board (Mr D. W. Meldrum) said the board had not considered the question officially. Mr Meldrum said he felt the matter was one which could be left to individual teachers.

Dr F. A. de Hamel, medical officer of health in Dunedin, said any outbreak of the flu in New Zealand would be ‘very mild.”

The principal of Bavfield High School (Mr J. D. M. Her-

ron), who is also president of the Dunedin branch of the Post-Primary Principals’ Association, said his staff had approached him with the request that the matter be taken up with the Department of Health.

They were in favour of vaccination, Mr Herron said. Dr de Hamel said he had not yet been approached by anyone from the school, although someone else in the department might have been. The flu vaccine was available from drug houses and could be dispensed by general practitioners if requested.